This blog is a result of the heavy censoring of the media by the military dictatorship regime.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Thaw in Fiji-NZ relations

First the deplomatic missions, now the rugby sevens.

There is a definite thaw in the previously strained relations between New Zealand and Fiji, and a backing down by both countries.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully met with his Fiji counterpart, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, in Suva over the weekend and the end result was confirmation the respective diplomatic missions were being re-opened.

It's now emerged that Fiji suggested at that same meeting that Mr McCully meet interim prime minister, Frank Bainimarama, at the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens in May.

The informal meeting was suggested by Mr Kubuabola, who said the Hong Kong meeting would explore the possibility of a meeting between Commodore Bainimarama and the New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key, to discuss in depth the diplomatic missions and the travel sanctions.

Mr Kubuabola acknowleged New Zealand for "responding positively to Fiji's request for the re-establishment and continuation of engagement as opposed to the isolationist approach taken previously."

He said it had been agreed that the structure of dialogue between the two countries from now on would be on a ministerial level and that officials would only get involved to clariy issues where necessary and to pursue follow-up actions.

Commodore Bainimarama has been quoted as saying he was delighted with the turn of events.